Inconel alloys are difficult and expensive to machine due to extreme heat generated at the cutting edge. The heat generated in the cut is necessary to machine the material; however, it accelerates tool wear.

The increasing use of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) for state-of-the-art, high-powered engines has created challenges for cylinder block and cylinder head manufacturing. The high-strength CGI material wears out tools a minimum of 30% faster and has eliminated higher speed machining that was possible in Gray Iron.